Tokyo (Living)
English (Native), Japanese
2 hours on average
4 days ago
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. My work in translation and interpreting brought me into contact with notable figures in Japanese media.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties. I’m particularly passionate about seafood and love traveling to places like Hokkaido and Niigata during the winter for the best crab and fatty yellowtail. I also enjoy visiting Japan's finest hot springs, especially in volcanic areas. My martial arts background includes five years of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, with multiple trips to the Ryukyu Islands, and experience in iaido, kyudo, and judo.
I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan.
Tour options:
Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
I can guide you through Tokyo, Kyoto, and other historical cities like Kanazawa, Nikko, and Kamakura. Rail fare outside Tokyo is additional. Let me show you the best of Japan!
I had a 14 hour layover at Haneda and booked an 8 hour day tour with Grant. He is a fantastic guide, friendly, fun and very knowledgeable. No matter if it’s about Japanese history or a random train passing by, be assured he will be able to provide you with additional information. Grant navigates the public transport system like a pro making sure you won’t waste any of your precious time. He accommodated any wishes I had and basically fully customised the tour to my needs. It was a great day and surely there would be no way for myself to even see and experience half as much on my own, money well spent!
Grant is very knowledgeable of his tour materials and very friendly and kind. He speaks a bit softly, and if you use his services in large groups, you may need to take charge of not losing anyone as he walks fast.
The Ginza line tour was a great introduction to the Tokyo metro line. In our first day in Tokyo, Grant showed us around Tokyo using Ginza subway line.He adjusted the itinerary per our request. He showed us how his favorite food spots and stores. We visited many attractions including shopping in Shibuya. If you want a tour that felt like having a friend showing you around town, this is it!
Grant is the ultimate tour guide! He is very intelligent and his knowledge of Tokyo is great and he speaks Japanese Fluent. What more could anyone ask for? Having grant as your tour guide will give you total peace and joy as he leads you wherever your heart desires. Do yourself a favor if you want a stress-free, meaningful trip to Tokyo hire Grant as your ultimate Tokyo tour guide! You will enyoy every minute wit Grant.